Abstract Pain following thoracic surgery is often severe and can be due to retraction, fracture or dislocation of ribs, injury of intercostal nerves or irritation of pleura by chest tubes. A good, multimodal analgesic strategy is required to keep the patient comfortable postoperatively and minimize the risk of pulmonary complications. Inadequate pain control may lead to respiratory failure secondary to splinting, or pneumonia as a result of an ineffective cough and poor clearance of secretions. High-intensity postoperative pain can also facilitate the development of post-thoracotomy pain syndrome, which can be severe and incapacitating. Effective analgesia is a key part of enhanced recovery and techniques are required to aid patient mobilization around the ward postoperatively whilst minimizing discomfort and need for cumbersome infusion lines and pumps.